Descrizione
Buick Riviera Gran Sport 455 Stage 1 Boat-Tail Hardtop, finished in Candy Green and treated to a 3-colour interior re-trim in beige, brown and green. In typical 70s American style, the Riviera could not be missed at 18 feet 7 inches long and never fails turn heads on its travels today.
SPECIFICATION
This Riviera comes fully loaded with factory fitted options chosen including heavy-duty suspension, column-shift auto, limited-slip differential, variable power-steering, power-brakes, power-seats, central-locking doors, pillar-less power-windows, 8-track stereo (currently disconnected but still in situ, Bluetooth alternative in place), speed/ ignition warning buzzer, remote boot-release, tinted glass, full courtesy lighting, stainless side mouldings, fully chromed front radiator cowl and chromed “Rostyle” wheels. LED headlights have been installed for increased visibility, however originals are available with the vehicle. The Buick even has a waste paper bin in the passenger footwell!
BACKGROUND
A 1973 model year example that was built at the GM Flint plant in Michigan during October 1972, was eventually delivered the the first owner in California. Following the initial long-term ownership in Arizona, the left-hand drive vehicle was shipped to the UK, where it was first registered 1 July 2005. The first UK owner held on to the vehicle for 3 years, the second for 10 years, at which point the existing owner acquired in November of 2018. The odometer reads 1, 965 miles (which is in fact 101, 965miles). A stack of invoices and receipts to support the mileage and work completed on the vehicle over the years, including significant investment throughout current ownership (as detailed in Mechanical information). Despite the vehicle being MOT exempt, the current owner has recently obtained a clean bill of health following a pre-MOT inspection on the vehicle.
The vehicle comes complete with the Buick Club UK Year Verification Certificate confirming production details & historical vehicle eligible tax confirmation. Other documentation includes 1973 Buick owners manual, Buick consumer information booklet, Buick FM stereo booklet, Buick accessories leaflet, sunroof service manual and winding handle, Buick parts book and Haynes manual.
MECHANICAL
The 455 cubic inch (7. 4-litre) V8 engine is coupled with a turbo Hydramatic 3-speed automatic transmission. Producing 330hp and hitting 0-60 in just 9. 1secs, the Riviera boasted big power amongst its 70s peers. Also installed in this model is Max-Trac, Buick’s revolutionary answer to anti-skid/ traction control.
In recent years the current owner has spared no expense in maintaining a readily useable US Classic. In 2019 and with industry recognised specialist “American Auto Services”, the vehicle underwent a gearbox rebuild, full exhaust box renewal, brake pipe renewal and wheel cylinders/ shoes. More recently both the power steering belt and pump have been replaced. Open the bonnet and you can easily identify where investment has been injected and you cannot miss the big and bold “Stage 1” that brands the air filter housing.
EXTERIOR
The paintwork on the Riviera presents beautifully and truly sparkles on a bright and sunny day. Judging by the condition of the panels and paint finish, the vehicle has almost certainly spent its life garaged. Doors fit and open/ close as you would expect. No signs of any rust of corrosive activity beneath that bares any cause for concern. Being critical, there is a little bubbling in the paint on the sunroof, which if aiming for an improved appearance could easily be restored to match the rest of the vehicle.
INTERIOR
The three colour interior retrim on the Riviera incorporates a fantastic period look that works so well with the Candy green exterior. The leather is all in excellent condition, as are the carpets and door trims. The dashboard shows no signs of damage or wear. The headlining was replaced a couple of years ago by specialist auto upholsterer DS Thompsett in Cambridge. Sat behind the wheel of this American muscle is a feeling that is unlikely to be matched through many other vehicle’s found on UK roads.
These are always incredibly rare and particularly so in this specification, a very stylish and fully documented 1970s American classic. Quite possibly one of the only examples in the UK in this specification. Measure the garage and get yourself along while the opportunity remains!
Absolutely any inspection welcome
Delivery by arrangement
Tax & MOT Exempt
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Note: Lucas Sports Cars Ltd is acting as agent for the owner of the vehicle advertised and gives no warranties as to its condition or otherwise. For the avoidance of doubt the implied terms under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 will not apply to the sale of this vehicle.
